WhenBeth Parker Uale ('85) first came to BYU-Hawaii her primary goal was to get her "MRS. degree." Later, when graduation became a priority,it took her an additional four years to finish her final year of studies. She since spent another seven years in graduate school. Consequently, Uale encouraged today's BYU-Hawaii students to make the most of the educational experiences while they're here.
"Throughout the many years of schooling I have learned that there are certain things that will help to make the journey more efficient and more effective," she said, offering a few suggestions to avoid the roadblocks to reaching educational goals:
"Don't set a goal," Sister Uale started. "By not setting a goal it can cause years of anxiety as you spin your wheels trying to figure things out. Try to set definite goals for your education at least by the end of your freshman year. Without a definite goal, you'll miss all the prerequisite classes that lead you to the next course."
She also urged the freshmen to "be careful not to spend so much time enjoying your new found freedom from home that you waste away your freshman year and end up with no credits after eight months. The loss of one year will come back to haunt you later."
Turning to married students, Sister Uale — the 2004 Hawaii Mother of the Year — agreed "the responsibilities of raising a family and managing your education is hard, but it's not impossible. There are options available," such as independent study and on-line classes."Take the time to search out opportunities that will allow you to spend some time with your family"
SisterUale said the most important advice she had, however, is "too many people feel that they can't serve the Lord because they are too busy. They say that they'll serve in the church later and give even more energy when the time is right."
"I know that keeping the Lord as an integral part of the process is what helped us to survive. When we were a young married couple our bishop asked to give to the ward building fund, we knew that helping the Lord would bring blessing so we said yes. When my husband was called as the 1st counselor in the Young Men's presidency and I was called to be the Young Women's president with two small children and a full load of classes, we turned to the Lord for help and he helped us every step of the way and we grew as a result of serving the youth. Don't ever put the Lord second in your life and you will always feel comfortable turning to Him when you need Him."
She also advised against changing majors annually, settling for a sufficiently satisfactory job before graduating, or taking an extended break.
"How blessed you are to be here to walk the path that leads to your future,"Sister Uale said. "What a great privilege it is for you attend a school in a spiritual, a positive and an uplifting environment. Take advantage of the opportunities you have to meet people, to learn and to grow during the time you spend here at BYU-Hawaii."
ThenHawaii District Family Court Judge Bode Uale ('87), who was raised in Laie, assured the students they can future success through setting goals, good planning and preparation.
"Iknow that [many of] you come from many different countries and places. Your families have probably made sacrifices for you to be here. Something you did and planned has brought you here to study and learn. So you have accomplished quite a bit already by just being here at BYU-Hawaii. So, now it's up to you to make your plan for the future," he said.
"First things first, strive to live a balanced life. You know that it cannot be all about academics," he continued, encouraging to stay involved with campus wards and faithfully serve in their callings.
"If you are a returned missionary, then strive to strengthen your brothers and sisters. Continue to be a good example and keep those covenants that you have made with the Lord. Utilize those talents and skills you learned in the mission field to help in building the Kingdom,"Brother Uale said.
"If you are a young man of age and have not served a mission, then what's keeping you? There are so many blessings in store for you just waiting to be given. Go see your Bishop, he can help you prepare and go. TheLord needs you!" he said, adding the same advice for sisters who have the desire to serve.
For those who are single and have already served missions, "now is the time to get serious about finding that special son or daughter of God to share your life with," Brother Uale stressed. "Marriage, in fact, is good for you as a student. It really helps you to get focused on your education and your future. You don't have to worry about dating anymore, [or] no excuse for not being able to get good grades. It's all about finishing school and getting on with family and career. Thatis exactly how marriage affected me. I became a better student and there were way less distractions."
After graduation and starting a career, Brother Uale also said, "don't forget the Lord and how he helped you to get there."